Our four year-old has decided to be scared of rollercoasters. It’s a shame, really. He used to love them, but now he always tells us he’s too young.

At Disney a few weekends back, we went to the Goofy rollercoaster. It’s a starter rollercoaster in the kiddie area – still lots of fun, though. I think it was the first rollercoaster that the little guy ever went on.

He didn’t want to go. Despite all our cajoling and wheedling, he resisted. In the end, he and I sat down on a curb while his older brother and mom rode on the rollercoaster.

We talked about all sorts of things as we waited – Disney, school, drainpipes.. all sorts of things. After about half an hour, he grew quiet. We sat and watched the roller coaster in silence for a few minutes. Finally, he placed a hand on my forearm.

“Daddy,” he said.

“Yes?”

“Do you know why I don’t like it anymore?”

I shook my head. “Why?”

“Because,” he pointed to the first big hill of the roller coaster, “on that hill, just as you’re getting to the top of it?”

“Yes?”

“You know why I don’t like it?” His face was very serious. “Because I feel like I might die.”

I patted his hand. “It’s okay, big guy. You don’t have to ride. We can watch. That’s fun too.”

“Yeah,” he laughed. “And maybe get a lemonade?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

“Awwww..”